by Fred Hileman
An early start in Cedar Key for some of our group was met with disappointment as high tide obscured the mudflats and bird life. A visit to the cemetery was also quiet. Our birding luck improved significantly at the Shell Mounds, where we joined around 20 others and spotted Oyster Catchers, a Bald Eagle, Herring Gull, Black Skimmers, and a Clapper Rail, among others. The highlight was observing a flock of 200 White Pelicans gaining altitude on thermals before flying north. The majority of our sightings occurred near Cedar Key and the Shell Mounds.
The subsequent exploration of the main nine-mile loop trail yielded fewer new species, which
our guide, Bob Lewis, attributed to the late migratory season. Bob shared valuable insights into
the local environment. Lisa Graham’s sighting of a Blue Grosbeak was a notable highlight for
many. Our day included an unexpected stop at a surprisingly busy and excellent restaurant, Treasure Camp, in a remote Fowler’s Bluff, which I plan to revisit.
Ultimately, our group recorded a total of 43 bird species during our visit to the Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge. Check this link for a list of all the birds noted on this field trip.